Author: Dee Shore

Feb 21, 2011

New info sheet explains easy-to-overlook tax deduction

For the 2010 tax year, some individuals -- including self-employed farmers -- are able to deduct health insurance premiums from net income subject to the self-employment tax. To answer questions that are cropping up about the deduction, the national Rural Tax Education project has issued an online fact sheet (PDF). 

Feb 18, 2011

Merging Duke Power and Progress Energy

A blockbuster of a business marriage was recently announced: The power giants Duke Power and Progress Energy will become one large power generation and distribution company. This is a big deal for the nation but especially for North Carolina. Why is it happening and what will be the impact? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Feb 17, 2011

Spending from homes

One economic impacts of the housing boom during the decade of the 2000s was the additional spending that homeowners could afford by tapping into their home equity. How did this work? And where did the money go? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Feb 16, 2011

Crazy Canadian spending

Canada didn’t suffer a financial meltdown like the United States did in recent years. As a result Canada has gotten a reputation as perhaps the model for moderation in both spending and investing. However, a recent statistic blows away Canada’s image of frugality. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Feb 15, 2011

What's up with food prices?

The latest inflation report from the government shows that prices for some food items are rising relatively rapidly. Meat prices are up almost 6 percent in the last year, and dairy prices have risen about 4 percent. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what's going on. 

Feb 14, 2011

Where college degrees pay off more

It’s well known that financial benefits to a college degree differ for different college majors. And N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says that a recent study by the Federal Reserve Bank shows that the cash value of that degree varies by where the graduate chooses to live. 

Feb 11, 2011

Who holds our debt?

The national debt is becoming a bigger and bigger issue. The debt represents money the U.S. government owes to someone. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden defines who "someone" is. 

Feb 10, 2011

Small business outlook

A strong argument can be made that our economy is really run by small businesses. Often the economic conditions for large and small businesses differ. So what are small businesses saying about the economy? Are they more or less optimistic? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Feb 9, 2011

Moving back with parents

With the condition of today’s economy, are more young adults living with their parents? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses the trends over time. 

Feb 9, 2011

Corn

Corn has emerged in recent years as one of North Carolina’s more important crops. Twenty years ago, North Carolina grew around half a million acres of corn each year; today…